benne

American  

[ben-ee] / ˈbɛn i /

Or benny

noun

1. Southern U.S., especially South Carolina, and Bahamian English. the sesame plant or its seeds.

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benne British  

/ ˈbɛnɪ /

noun

1. another name for sesame

2. the edible oil obtained from sesame seeds

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Etymology

Origin of benne

1760–70, < Wolof, Malinke bene

Example Sentences

By using African-influenced ingredients like smoked canned fish and benne seeds, I find that our most traditional and well-loved Southern dishes are bumped up in flavor and texture.

From Salon • Jan. 28, 2022

Mostly, though, I just want more duck, another bowl of Carolina rice and field peas, a touch more benne seed Brussels sprouts — and a second attack at that fried chicken.

From Washington Post • Dec. 2, 2020

Then he covered the rice with chutney made from grinding toasted benne seeds; an herb called shadow benne that is similar to cilantro; some bird’s-eye peppers, and garlic with a little oil.

From New York Times • Feb. 13, 2018

The addictive brown sugar and benne seed popcorn expertly melds sugar and salt.

From Time • Aug. 12, 2014

There were lots of green snap beans, stalks of yellow sweet corn, Sea Island red peas, crookneck squash, benne seeds, and purple okra that looked like fingers reaching for the sky.

From "Root Magic" by Eden Royce